The epicentre of the quake was north of Oakham, with residents also reporting feeling the tremor in Northamptonshire.

The British Geological Survey said it measured 2.8 on the Richter scale and struck at 10.40pm.

It's the second time this year the area has been shaken by tremors, with a 3.8 magnitude earthquake recorded in January.

People who felt the quake on Tuesday night tweeted their reactions.

Harriet Brookes tweeted: "Another earthquake! Why do we seem to have so many recently?"

Clive Loader said: "Wow - just had another earthquake here in Rutland. Perhaps not as strong as ones over the last couple of years, but still quite a sensation!"

And Andy Sawford, former Corby MP and now runs a communications agency, said: "Another earthquake round our way last night. I felt it at the time and thought it was unusually powerful for a HGV rumbling past."

Emergency services have not reported any casualties or damage to property.